Navigating Ben and Jerry's Gluten-Free Options
For those on a gluten-free diet, finding safe and delicious frozen treats can be a challenge. While many ice cream bases are naturally gluten-free, the inclusion of cookie dough, brownies, or other baked goods often introduces gluten. Ben and Jerry's recognized this challenge and has taken steps to clearly label and certify several of its flavors to meet the strict standards of the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This guide will help you confidently choose from the variety of certified gluten-free options available.
Certified Gluten-Free Classic Dairy Flavors
Ben and Jerry's has made sure that some of its most beloved and iconic flavors are available for those with gluten sensitivities. Look for the GFCO logo directly on the pint packaging for these certified-safe options.
- Cherry Garcia®: A fan favorite featuring cherry ice cream with cherries and fudge flakes.
- Chunky Monkey®: Banana ice cream with fudge chunks and walnuts.
- Coffee Coffee BuzzBuzzBuzz!®: Coffee ice cream with espresso fudge chunks.
- New York Super Fudge Chunk®: Chocolate ice cream with white and dark fudge chunks, pecans, walnuts, and fudge-covered almonds.
- Phish Food®: Chocolate ice cream with gooey marshmallow swirls, caramel swirls, and fudge fish.
- Pistachio Pistachio: Pistachio ice cream with lightly roasted pistachios.
- Vanilla Caramel Fudge: Vanilla ice cream with swirls of caramel and fudge.
- Everything But The...®: A flavor packed with almonds, pecans, and white and dark fudge chunks.
- Peanut Butter Cup: Peanut butter ice cream with peanut butter cups.
- Salted Caramel Almond: Sweet cream ice cream with salted caramel swirls and fudge flakes.
Non-Dairy and Core Flavors That Are Gluten-Free
Ben and Jerry's also offers several gluten-free options for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet. These flavors also carry the GFCO certification on their packaging.
- Cherry Garcia Non-Dairy: The classic flavor made with an almond milk base.
- Phish Food Non-Dairy: An almond milk version of the popular Phish Food flavor.
- Karamel Sutra® Core Non-Dairy: A non-dairy core flavor featuring a swirl of caramel within an almond milk ice cream.
- Oatmeal Crème Pie Non-Dairy: Features an almond milk base with gluten-free oatmeal cookies and a marshmallow swirl.
How to Identify Gluten-Free Ben and Jerry's
The most reliable method for ensuring a Ben and Jerry's product is safe is to look for the GFCO certification logo directly on the pint packaging. This certification guarantees that the product has been tested to contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten, a level considered safe for most people with celiac disease. Even if you have enjoyed a specific flavor in the past, recipes and production lines can change, so it is crucial to check the label every time you purchase. Ben and Jerry's also clearly lists major allergens, including wheat, in bold capital letters at the end of the ingredient list on their packaging, in accordance with FDA regulations.
Comparison of Certified Gluten-Free Ben and Jerry's Flavors
| Flavor | Base | Key Ingredients | Dietary Certifications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Garcia® | Cherry Ice Cream | Cherries, Fudge Flakes | Certified GF, Non-Dairy option | A true classic for fruit and chocolate lovers. |
| Phish Food® | Chocolate Ice Cream | Marshmallow Swirls, Caramel Swirls, Fudge Fish | Certified GF, Non-Dairy option | A textural mix of gooey and crunchy elements. |
| Chunky Monkey® | Banana Ice Cream | Fudge Chunks, Walnuts | Certified GF | Combines fruit, chocolate, and nuts in a single pint. |
| Everything But The...® | Vanilla & Chocolate Ice Cream | Peanut Butter Cups, Toffee, White Fudge, Fudge Brownies, Fudge-Covered Almonds | Certified GF | As the name suggests, a bit of everything without the gluten. |
| Vanilla Caramel Fudge | Vanilla Ice Cream | Caramel Swirls, Fudge Swirls | Certified GF | A rich and decadent classic flavor combination. |
Navigating Scoop Shops and Cross-Contamination
While Ben and Jerry's offers a certified gluten-free line of packaged pints, the situation at a physical scoop shop is different due to the risk of cross-contamination. Since the same scoops and utensils are often used for all flavors, gluten can be transferred from flavors containing cookies or brownies to a gluten-free one. For this reason, the company cannot guarantee that flavors served in scoop shops are entirely gluten-free. If you have celiac disease or a high sensitivity, always inform your server of your gluten allergy. The best practice is to politely request a fresh, unopened tub of a certified gluten-free flavor and to have them use a clean, dedicated scoop. This minimizes any potential exposure and ensures you can safely enjoy your treat. Some scoop shops may have specific procedures for handling allergen requests, so it's always worth asking what measures they have in place.
Conclusion
Ben and Jerry's has made a significant effort to provide safe and tasty options for those with gluten-related dietary needs. By certifying a wide range of its classic and non-dairy flavors, the company offers peace of mind along with its euphoric ice cream. However, it is essential to always be vigilant by checking for the official GFCO logo on store-bought pints and taking necessary precautions when visiting a scoop shop. Enjoying a certified gluten-free treat from Ben and Jerry's is a delightful possibility, as long as you know what to look for.
Outbound link: For the most current and detailed information on all of their certified gluten-free products, always check the official Ben and Jerry's website: Ben & Jerry's Allergens.
